Used Whiskey Barrels

Similar to how a child matures over time, whiskey and other aged alcohols become more refined as they spend years resting in a barrel. Used whiskey barrels are vital in the process of aging as it gives alcohol the color and flavor that we expect.

Not many people are familiar with the process of aging. Aging is a method of storing distilled spirits of wine and whiskey in empty whiskey barrels for a specific period of time. The aim of doing this is to remove all the harsh flavors from the raw alcohol while adding peculiar flavor characteristics that are found in the barrel’s wood.

When alcohol is added into old whiskey barrels, it is clear and relatively tasteless much like vodka. During its time in the barrel, it will imbibe the flavors and colors of the wood and transform into the dark molten liquid we are used to seeing in the bottle.

Used whiskey barrels and the interaction between the oak and whiskey is one of the most interesting components of the whiskey production process. Our team knows that new spirit is to gain character and color from the wood in which it rests, which is why we choose only the best oak barrels for our clients and the quality of these real whiskey barrels for sale is carefully monitored.

People often ask why they should invest in wooden whiskey barrels for sale. The main reason for using oak wood is its unique physical and chemical nature. Oak has strength physically, its wide radial rays give strength when shaped for a cask. It is the purest form of wood, unlike pine or rubber trees that have resin canals that can pass strong flavors of maturing whiskey.

But it is not just about the oak itself, it is the transformation that the oak undergoes as a result of the seasoning and heating treatments during the coopering process. As a result of these processes, the wood attains pleasant-tasting oak lactones.

Used whiskey barrels made from oak can add to the taste and aroma of the spirit by providing desirable elements from the cask. Some of the examples include vanillin, oak lactone (coconut, bourbon character), toastiness, wood sugars, and color. The longer you leave a whiskey in a barrel, the smoother it tastes. If you scout the market, you will know that older, single malt scotches sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Although aging whiskey definitely enhances the flavor, the type of oak barrel used also makes a huge difference. Some distillers use wine casks, especially sherry, to add smoothness to the whiskey.

Oak barrels also have the ability to remove undesirable elements from new spirits like sulfur compounds and immaturity. These barrels also interact with the alcohol stored inside. They add the extractive wood elements from the cask and convert them to organoleptically desirable elements. For example, it will change the tannins to acetals and change acetic acid to fruity esters. All of these factors combined provide whiskey with the desired flavor.

Used whiskey barrels retain some of the absorbed whiskey and distillers who have purchased these barrels from us, appreciate the intricate flavors they can obtain in their own distilling process by employing these flavor-rich vessels. Our old whiskey barrels represent a better value to our customers.

ABOUT US

Rocky Mountain Barrel Company offers the greatest used barrels and the best service to the customers. We have expanded our operations over the years to include multiple countries and a wide variety of barrels. No matter how many clients we work with, we proudly offer our customers the same great service, expertise, and transparency. For all our customers, we work with you as best as we can!

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